COMPASS Tissue
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling for a wider range of cancer types
COMPASS Tissue is a comprehensive genomic profiling test that utilizes advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to analyze a total of 1,021 cancer-related genes.
Ordering Process for Physicians
Step 1
Request a kit online or contact our local representative
Step 2
Obtain informed consent from patient
Step 3
Request tissue slides and histopathology report from pathology laboratory
Step 4
Place all forms and slides in the box provided
Step 5
Contact our local representative to arrange for pickup and courier to Singapore laboratory
Step 6
Receive clinical report after 10 working days from kit receipt at the laboratory
What is Comprehensive Genomic Profiling (CGP)?
CGP panels utilize next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology to evaluate a large number of genes, typically hundreds or more, in a single test. Unlike single-gene testing or smaller hotspot NGS panels that are generally designed for specific cancer types, CGP panels are specially curated with relevant clinical utilities across a wide range of cancer types . CGP panels also assess complex biomarkers such as tumor mutational burden (TMB) and microsatellite instability (MSI) which are important for guiding immunotherapy treatment. CGP panels are often ordered for cancer patients who have failed multiple lines of treatments or have exhausted standard-of-care treatment options, so that a more holistic understanding of the cancer’s genetic information can be obtained to aid decision making for the next optimal treatment options.
What is COMPASS Tissue test?
COMPrehensive ASSay (COMPASS) Tissue test is a Laboratory-Developed Test (LDT) service offered by M Diagnostics Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary clinical laboratory of Mirxes Pte. Ltd. in Singapore. COMPASS Tissue test is an analytically and clinically validated, tissue-based CGP test specifically designed for solid tumors. This test evaluates 1021 cancer-relevant genes involved in the 14 hallmarks of cancer [1], and detects 4 main classes of genomic alterations: single nucleotide variants, insertions and deletions, copy number variants, and gene rearrangements. It provides treatment information of at least 28 drug classes, including 77 FDA-approved drugs and 45 investigational drugs used in clinical trials. COMPASS Tissue test also evaluates genomic signatures such as TMB* and MSI*, as well as pharmacogenomics for chemotherapy and positive/negative predictors of response to immunotherapy. COMPASS Tissue test is a comprehensive NGS test that provides clinicians more holistic information for personalized treatment decisions.
What are the suitable sample types for COMPASS Tissue test?
We only accept formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue from cancer patients.
What are the minimal tissue requirements of COMPASS Tissue test? Can you accept specimens that do not fulfil the tissue requirements?
A minimum of 10 unstained sections (tumor area ≥25 mm2) or 15 unstained sections (tumor area 5-25 mm2) of 5-10 µm thickness mounted on uncoated and uncharged glass slides, together with 1 matching H&E-stained slide with the tumor region marked out, is required for COMPASS Tissue test. The laboratory will require your acknowledgement to proceed with the test for specimens assessed to be of suboptimal quantity or quality. If the quantity or quality of the extracted DNA is insufficient or is of poor quality, you should be aware that there might be a potential risk of failure or false negative result. Nevertheless, our laboratory team will strive to maximize the test success.
Can I use an older tissue biopsy for COMPASS Tissue test?
Yes, provided the tissue biopsy is not older than 1 year from the date of collection. Based on our laboratory’s experience in processing tissue samples for NGS, sequencing is more likely to fail for samples older than 1 year. However, the stability of DNA in the tissue biopsy is dependent on tissue processing techniques and storage conditions. The older tissue biopsy may also not reflect the patient’s current tumor biology and mutational profile, especially if the patient has progressed through multiple lines of treatments. Therefore, we highly recommend the submission of the latest tissue biopsy from the patient.
Does M Diagnostics have any accreditations?
M Diagnostics Pte. Ltd. holds the Healthcare Services Act (HCSA) 2020 License issued by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to operate as a clinical laboratory in Singapore. M Diagnostics has also been a College of American Pathologists (CAP)-accredited laboratory since 2022. The CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program is an internationally recognized laboratory inspection program, which involves a continuous process of self-inspections and external inspections by CAP-assigned inspectors to monitor and improve the laboratory’s overall quality and performance, as well as to achieve the highest standards of excellence in delivering accurate test results that would impact patient care.
How do you ensure the accuracy of COMPASS Tissue test?
COMPASS Tissue test has undergone a series of stringent analytical and clinical validations to ensure accuracy of our test result. As part of the requirements of continuous CAP accreditation and MOH licensing, M Diagnostics is audited to ensure consistent laboratory performance and test quality. These processes entail proper documentation of quality control monitoring and continuous tracking of test performance. Please contact your local representative for more information.
What are the differences between COMPASS Tissue test and APEX Tissue test?
| Product name | COMPASS Tissue | APEX Tissue |
| Number of target genes | 1021 | 50 |
| Panel design | Comprehensive genomic profiling panel | Hotspot panel |
| Technology | Hybridization capture-based Next-generation sequencing, DNA sequencing | Amplicon-based Next-generation sequencing, DNA and RNA sequencing |
| Cancer types | Solid tumors | Solid tumors |
| Specimen type | FFPE tissue | FFPE tissue |
| Types of genomic alterations covered |
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| Tumor mutational burden (TMB)* | Yes | No |
| Microsatellite instability (MSI)* | Yes | No (available as a separate add-on PCR test) |
| Homologous recombination repair (HRR) genes coverage | Yes | No |
| DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes coverage | Yes | No |
| Pharmacogenomics | Yes | No |
| Therapeutic Class Information |
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| Turnaround time** | 10 working days | 4 working days |
*Clinical validation for TMB and MSI is ongoing. These biomarkers are currently for Research-Use Only and should not be used to guide treatment and/or for clinical decision making.
**Counting from the day the specimen arrives at M Diagnostics laboratory.
[1] Hanahan D. Hallmarks of Cancer: New Dimensions. Cancer Discov. 2022 Jan;12(1):31-46 [PMID: 35022204]
AR: Androgen Receptor; AI: Aromatase Inhibitor; CGP: Comprehensive Genomic Profiling; CNV: Copy Number Variant; EMA: European Medicines Agency; ESMO: European Society for Medical Oncology; H&E: Hematoxylin & Eosin; HLA: Human Leukocyte Antigen; HRR: Homologous Recombination Repair; InDel: Insertion & Deletion; MSI: Microsatellite Instability; NCCN: National Comprehensive Cancer Network; NGS: Next-Generation Sequencing; SERD: Selective Estrogen Receptor Degrader; SERM: Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator; SNV: Single Nucleotide Variant; TMB: Tumor Mutational Burden; US FDA: United States Food and Drug Administration.
* Clinical validation ongoing
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